Braining: Physical Exercise as Add-on Treatment in Psychiatric Care
How might integrating physical exercise into psychiatric care improve both mental and physical health outcomes for patients?
Many of us recognize the numerous health benefits of regular physical exercise. According to WHO recommendations, exercise is linked to reduced risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, specific cancers, type 2 diabetes, and it also enhances mental health by alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving cognitive function, and promoting better sleep. An umbrella review on psychical activity and mental disorders concludes that ”Physical activity should be a mainstay approach in the management of depression, anxiety and psychological distress.” At the same time, patients in psychiatry are less physically active than average.
At Rücklab, a team is exploring a novel approach called Braining, which integrates physical activity as an add-on treatment in psychiatric settings. In this initiative, staff and patients exercise together, with the aim of increasing physical activity levels among psychiatric patients and thereby improving both their physical and mental health. The project also seeks to evaluate the feasibility of this approach and capture the unique experiences of the patients involved. By combining physical activity with psychiatric treatment, this study aims to enhance overall well-being and contribute to more effective care strategies.
Braining is currently being conducted at Psykiatri Sydväst, Psykiatri Södra and Beroendecentrum.
Group members involved in the project
Rücklab - Psychiatry research at Karolinska Institutet 